The 2024 WNBA season concluded with the New York Liberty defeating the Minnesota Lynx and lifting its first-ever WNBA championship trophy. While there was jubilation for them, some of W’s teams have been busy with front office and coaching staff changes. After Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington failed to secure a spot in the playoffs, given their disappointing season record, their coaches were always in danger. Another team added to the list has been the Atlanta Dream, who despite making it to the playoffs, couldn’t make it past the first round. This perhaps called upon the need to make a change.

As a result, these teams recently fired their head coaches, with Washington and Dallas firing their General Managers as well. So let’s take a look at the bitter side of things

Despite having two rookies, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, from this year’s phenomenal draft class, the Chicago Sky fired Teresa Weatherspoon after only one season. The franchise made the decision public in late September after missing out on the post-season.

“After careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. We are deeply appreciative of Coach T-Spoon’s contributions to the Chicago Sky, and the energy and passion she brought to the head coaching role,” stated Nadi Rawlison, the Sky co-owner and operating chairman.

They also expressed gratitude towards T-Spoon’s contribution, “We thank her for inspiring a competitive, resilient spirit across the team, synonymous with Chicago Sky basketball.” The Sky finished the regular season with a 13-27 record. Hence, it was the first time since 2018 that Chicago missed the playoffs.

The decision seemingly didn’t go down well with the players, as Reese mentioned that she was heartbroken after hearing the news. While we wait for the franchise’s next head coach, Chicago will be hoping to see it’s big names players playing on the biggest stage.

Curt Miller

Next up on the list is the LA Sparks head coach, Curt Miller. Miller, who was named the WNBA Coach of the Year in 2017, has decided to leave the Sparks. Hence, the decision is mutual between him and the franchise as it failed to make it to the playoffs for the 4th consecutive time and the 2nd consecutive time under his tenure.
With Miller at the helm, the Sparks went 25-55 through two seasons.

More so, his overall record in the WNBA stands at 165-141. “I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise. I am proud of the culture created in our locker room and strongly believe the roots have been established for a bright future. The team is now positioned for success, and I wish the players the best heading into the 2025 season,” said Miller in a statement through the team.

After losing the 2024 WNBA Draft’s 2nd pick, Cameron Brink, to a season-ending injury, LA just couldn’t find the spark it needed to compete for the final playoff spots.

Tanisha Wright

After spending three seasons together, the Atlanta Dream and head coach Tanisha Wright decided to part ways. In 2022, Wright took over the team and led them to the playoffs in the last two seasons. However, in both years, the Dream was swept in just two games. Furthermore, the Dream hasn’t been able to amass a winning record since 2018. This year too they went 15-25, barely making it to the postseason.

“Tanisha was an important contributor in our efforts to rebuild the Dream and we want to thank her for her hard work and dedication to the Dream over the last three seasons and wish her the best in the future,” said Dream Executive VP and GM Dan Padover, and added, “At this time we believe a change is needed to lead our players and organization to the next chapter in our efforts to be a top team in the WNBA.”

Latricia Trammell

Just after two seasons, the Dallas Wings took the hard call and fired their head coach, Latricia Trammell. Under her guidance, the team went 31-49 through two seasons, including 2-3 in the post-season. However, the Wings failed to qualify for the playoffs this year, finishing with a disappointing 9-31 record.

USA Today via Reuters

“After an extensive review of our basketball operations department, which included interviews and conversations with stakeholders across our organization, I have made the decision to relieve Latricia Trammell of her head coaching duties with the Dallas Wings,” stated the Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb.

Eric Thibault

The newest addition on this list is the Washington Mystics head coach Eric Thibault, who was recently released from his coaching duties after two seasons. Moreover, the franchise also fired the WNBA coach-turned-general manager Mike Thibault, indicating a major organizational shake-up.

“Coach Eric is a skilled coach and equally talented motivator. Our players are fortunate to have played for Eric these past two seasons, as will many other players in this league for decades ahead,” said the Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger.

He also appreciated Mike Thibault’s contribution to the franchise and added, “Coach Mike elevated the Mystics program to its proud status as a league leader in innovation, the standard-bearer in player care, and a model franchise.”

Interestingly, none of these coaches had more than three years at their respective organizations and they ended up getting fired. This indicates the rising level of competition and excellence within the league. Hence, these franchises have begun to look for a better fit for themselves.